Improv to Improve Interprofessional Communication, Team Building, Patient Safety, and Patient Satisfaction

The purpose of this process improvement project was to implement a test of change within a healthcare team utilizing applied improvisational exercises (AIEs), and to lay the groundwork for more effective inter- and intra-professional communication. Literature review: AIEs have been shown to facilitate individual participant communication strengths through a process of un-learning certain common behavioral habits, and learning new habits that assist in creating and expanding closed-loop communication. Such un-learning and learning enriches the participant’s awareness of the environment and encourages participant adaptability through positive group interactions. Method: An all-day AIE seminar/workshop was conducted with members of two healthcare teams that work closely together. The course included exercises to enhance situational awareness of non-verbal communication, listening skills, ability to establish trust in a new environment, spontaneity, ability to accept new information, memory, willingness to contribute ideas, self-confidence in group interactions, and creative problem solving. Results: Attendee’s post-seminar surveys showed solid enthusiasm for the AIE-based learning process. Conclusion: Teams that train with AIEs are able to facilitate bridging the inter- and intra-professional healthcare communication gap and improve patient safety and satisfaction